There once was a dog, who after many hours of searching and hunting was finally able to catch a rabbit for dinner.
As he carried his prize back home, he crossed a fast-moving stream. He looked down into the water and saw his reflection. The dog, not realizing his reflection was simply an illusion, believed there was another dog in the stream who also had a portion of meat.
The hungry dog decided he wanted both his own dinner, and the dinner of the dog in the stream, and leaped into the water. As he opened his mouth to snatch the other dog’s rabbit, he let go of his own dinner and it was lost to the current of the stream. The poor dog now had nothing and went hungry for another day.
There are two lessons here we would do well to learn. The first is the importance of gratitude, and appreciating what we already have. Our friend the dog probably did not realize, in his haste, that he would not have been able to eat both portions of meat in one sitting, and what he had worked hard for was more than enough. He caused himself considerable pain trying to get more than he needed.
Many times we lose perspective on what we have and what we have accomplished. We all live in a culture that tells us every day that we need more or that we are not yet enough. Slowly, we allow ourselves to become disconnected from the truth that we have much to be grateful for. We also underestimate the power gratitude can bring into our lives.
When we are grateful, we conjure a deep sense of fulfilment. It also helps us know the difference between a desire created by jealousy and fear, and a desire that is the call of the soul to expand. In gratitude, we don’t lose ourselves in the panic of feeling like we aren’t enough: instead, we know our own worth and the difference between the voice of insecurity and the voice of inspiration.
Often, we fear learning the lesson of gratitude because we believe that if we don’t ask for more, we’ll never get more, but this is only half of the equation. Notice that the dog asked for something to eat, and it was given, but he lost it because he did not know how to properly care for what he had. The world loves good stewards. When we care for our gifts and resources, we make room for more.
Perhaps you know someone in the habit of spending more money than they make. Is more money really going to solve their problem? Probably not. Just as another rabbit would not solve the dog’s problem since he has not yet learned to manage what he has wisely, he’d be liable to lose it again. Gratitude breeds respect and wise management. This energy, in turn, invites more into our lives because we have nurtured the energy of trust.
The second lesson from the dog’s misfortune is one about jealousy. The dog went hungry because he believed his reflection had something he did not. Of course, he didn’t realize this was an illusion. He already had what he believed he lacked. He was the dog he envied. Jealousy is so often an illusion we think is real. Again, without knowing daily gratitude, we sometimes overlook that we already have what we want. Believing someone else has or is anything we are incapable of having or only undermining your own power.
You are already the person you wish to be. Everything you long to be is within you. You would not be able to see it in others if it were not so. Truly, like the dog, we mistake a reflection for a separate being. The next time you catch yourself feeling envious, pause and look within. Where do those qualities exist in you? What in your life could bring you the joy you believe you’re missing if you looked at it anew?
This is a simple exercise, but extremely powerful if you follow through. Every day, soon after waking, take a few moments and make a list of 10 things you are grateful for. Nothing is too small to be included. For example, I hate having wet socks and on rainy days I pause to feel grateful that my socks are dry. Often, I actually find it’s the small things that lift me. They inspire a sense of fun and help me see the countless things around me to be thankful for. Look around you and open yourself to the blessings beneath your fingertips every moment. Once you have completed your list, read it over 2-3 times. For each item repeat to yourself “Thank you for…” Feel the gratitude and savor it.
Do this simple exercise for at least a week, I promise you will find that you always have what you need, and the joy in your life will grow. I’m willing to bet you’ll start to feel so good that you’ll find yourself making gratitude lists long after a week is through.
